The federal government is forcing more and more Americans into buying new energy efficient lightbulbs by gradually outlawing incandescent light bulbs, which supposedly waste energy. But a new study shows that eco-friendly lightbulbs may not be human-friendly.

According to a study from Long Island’s Stony Brook University, the lightbulbs give off extraordinary levels of UV radiation, which can burn skin and even cause skin cancer. “When there is something in your house,” said Miriam Rafailovich, Professor of Materials Science at Stony Brook, “you don’t perceive any danger, you wouldn’t get that close to an x-ray in a doctor’s office.” Marcia Simon, who teaches dermatology, said, “The results were that you could actually initiate cell death.”

The bulbs could have a disproportionate effect on children.

But at least the polar bears will sleep a little sounder tonight.

Ben Shapiro is Editor-At-Large of Breitbart News, and author of the upcoming book “Bullies: How the Left’s Culture of Fear and Intimidation Silences America” (Threshold Editions, January 8, 2013).